ACT Greens have declared war on Canberra’s horse racing industry in an announcing a move to amend the ACT Budget to phase out the $41 million public subsidy to the industry.
The party says this the first time it has sought to amend an ACT government Budget in the Assembly since being in coalition with Labor.
“The ACT Greens do not support public funding for the horse racing industry,” says MLA Jo Clay.
“We understand a sudden cut will affect the workers and the animals, so I will move to phase out public funds to the horse racing industry by 20 per cent each year over the next five years. Despite growing discontent in the community about this funding, I anticipate the Canberra Liberals and ACT Labor will vote to keep giving the $41 million public subsidy to the horse racing industry.”
“In 2011 the Independent Competition and Regulatory Commission said the industry should be self-sufficient. The horse racing industry has had enough time to diversify its income. It is not the job of government to prop up a failing business model indefinitely, particularly one that delivers such a questionable public benefit.”
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